Bandi Bhageerath Sai, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, has been arrested by Telangana Police in connection with an alleged sexual assault case involving a minor girl, days after the Telangana High Court declined to grant him interim protection from arrest.
The case was registered following allegations made by a 17-year-old girl, who accused the 25-year-old of harassment and sexual assault. Police booked him under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The arrest has triggered significant political attention due to Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s position as a Union Minister and senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The minister, however, publicly stated that he had cooperated with the investigation process and maintained that no one should be treated differently before the law.
“With utmost respect for the law and judiciary, today my son Bandi Bhageerath went before the Telangana Police through our advocates for investigation,” Kumar said in a statement posted on social media platform X.
The minister reiterated that he believed “whether it is my own son or a common citizen, everyone is equal before the law.” He also said his son had consistently maintained that he “committed no mistake.”
Kumar stated that legal experts had reviewed the available evidence and advised that the matter should proceed through due legal process. Despite ongoing court proceedings and legal advice, he said the family chose not to avoid cooperation with investigators.
“I have complete faith in the justice system. Justice may be delayed, but not denied,” the minister added.
Sources said the arrest followed developments in the investigation after the Telangana High Court refused interim relief earlier this week. Police officials have not yet publicly disclosed detailed findings related to the allegations or evidence collected in the case.
The incident has quickly become a politically sensitive issue in Telangana, with opposition parties demanding strict action and transparency in the investigation because of the involvement of a prominent political family. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have largely refrained from public comments beyond the minister’s official statement.
The POCSO Act provides stringent legal provisions in cases involving alleged sexual offences against minors and includes special procedures for investigation and trial. Legal experts say the case is likely to remain under close public and judicial scrutiny in the coming days.
Authorities are expected to continue questioning the accused while examining digital evidence, statements and other material connected to the complaint. Further court proceedings are expected next week as investigators seek to advance the probe.
The case has once again drawn national attention to issues involving crimes against minors, accountability of public figures and the legal process surrounding high-profile criminal investigations.